Anyone traveled to Costa Rica under the new COVID regulations?

[Dan]

I just got a spot on Okeanos Aggressor 1 for 1-11 December, 2020.

 

[tridacna]

How much did they charge for the sub?

 

[Dan]

How much did they charge for the sub?

If I remember correctly,
$1400 to 600’ depth
$1800 to 1000’ depth

 

[aquabluegreg]

Whether traveling to Coast Rica or any other destination that is "open" and there are no requirements for a negative PCR test to enter the country, there may still be a requirement for a negative test before boarding an international flight. Do not assume that because the country borders are open and no test required, that you will not need a negative PCR test to travel.

 

[Dan]

https://www.aggressor.com/pages/special-message#costarica

That link says “... While COVID-19 test result is not required to enter the country, Cocos National Park regulations require that all international travelers arriving by air and boarding either Okeanos Aggressor yacht present a COVID-19 PCR Swap Test showing a Negative Result that was administered within 7 days (168 hours) prior to boarding....”

I checked with CVS & QuestDirect, this test would cost $139 & the result will be available in 3 days. So, in theory I should be able to get the result within 7 days prior to boarding.

 

[Dan]

Whether traveling to Coast Rica or any other destination that is "open" and there are no requirements for a negative PCR test to enter the country, there may still be a requirement for a negative test before boarding an international flight. Do not assume that because the country borders are open and no test required, that you will not need a negative PCR test to travel.

United Airlines says it’s not required, but the Cocos National Park regulations require it.

 

[moorish8idol]

https://www.aggressor.com/pages/special-message#costarica

That link says “... While COVID-19 test result is not required to enter the country, Cocos National Park regulations require that all international travelers arriving by air and boarding either Okeanos Aggressor yacht present a COVID-19 PCR Swap Test showing a Negative Result that was administered within 7 days (168 hours) prior to boarding....”

I checked with CVS & QuestDirect, this test would cost $139 & the result will be available in 3 days. So, in theory I should be able to get the result within 7 days prior to boarding.

I have also been informed that the Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica (a private medical clinic) can do asymptomatic PCR COVID tests for US$120 and they offer emailed results in about 12 hours. Its another option!

 

[Dan]

I have also been informed that the Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica (a private medical clinic) can do asymptomatic PCR COVID tests for US$120 and they offer emailed results in about 12 hours. Its another option!

That’s good to know as a plan B. I just booked a drive-through PCR swab test via Questdirect scheduled on Nov.25 (6 days before boarding) for $128.30. Don’t want to do it later than that as Nov.26 & 27 are Thanksgiving holidays, here in USA.

 

[Dan]

A few more things to do before traveling there, based on the following info:
“...Visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica. In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting: 1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica, 2) guarantee of coverage for medicals expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of 50,000 USD and, 3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness...”

1. I got a letter from my health insurance provider (Aetna) stating that I would be covered for any COVID-19 related medical treatment.
2. Purchased DiveAssure travel insurance that covers for overseas quarantine lodging.
3. Plan to fill out the Health Pass form Pase de Salud Costa Rica 48 hours prior to boarding the United flight to SJO.

 

[moorish8idol]

A few more things to do before traveling there, based on the following info:
“...Visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica. In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting: 1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica, 2) guarantee of coverage for medicals expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of 50,000 USD and, 3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness...”

1. I got a letter from my health insurance provider (Aetna) stating that I would be covered for any COVID-19 related medical treatment.
2. Purchased DiveAssure travel insurance that covers for overseas quarantine lodging.
3. Plan to fill out the Health Pass form Pase de Salud Costa Rica 48 hours prior to boarding the United flight to SJO.

Let me know if you have any problems at the border with the DiveAssure travel/dive insurance for COVID purposes! I always have that insurance and didnt even realize they might qualify for the required CR insurance. In my part of Canada, we have no alternative options than the relatively expensive INS insurance program and if I could avoid it, that would be great!